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How to Use Zoom Virtual Backgrounds and Blur
Applies to: Zoom Desktop Client
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-10
Summary
If you are working from home and don't want your coworkers to see your messy living room, you can use Zoom's virtual background feature. You can either blur everything behind you, or upload an image (like your company's logo) to serve as a digital backdrop.
Prerequisites
- You must have the Zoom Desktop Client installed
- Your computer's processor must be modern enough to support the feature without a green screen (most computers built after 2018 support this natively)
Instructions
1. How to Blur Your Background (During a Meeting)
The "Blur" feature is the most professional option if you don't have a company-approved background image.
- Once you are in a Zoom meeting, look at the control bar at the bottom left.
- Click the small up-arrow ( ^ ) next to the Start Video / Stop Video icon.
- Select Blur My Background.
- Your background will instantly blur. To turn it off, click the arrow again and uncheck it.
2. How to Add a Virtual Background (Before a Meeting)
If you want to upload a specific image, it's best to set it up before you join a call.
- Open the Zoom Desktop app and sign in.
- Click your Profile Picture (or initials) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- In the left menu, click Background & Effects.
- You will see a preview of your camera. Below it, click on one of the pre-loaded images, or click Blur.
- To add your own image: Click the small plus icon (+) on the right side above the images.
- Select Add Image.
- Find the picture on your computer (e.g., your company's official Zoom background) and click Open.
3. Fixing the "I look like a ghost" Glitch
If you turn on a virtual background and parts of your face disappear into the background, or your background looks incredibly glitchy, Zoom is struggling to separate you from the wall behind you.
- Ensure the room you are in is brightly lit. Zoom struggles in the dark.
- Ensure you are wearing clothes that contrast with the wall behind you (don't wear a white shirt while sitting against a white wall).
- If you have an older computer, Zoom might prompt you to check the I have a green screen box in the Settings menu. If you check this box, but you do not have a physical green screen behind you, the virtual background will completely break. Ensure this box is unchecked.
4. How to Use Video Filters (Use with Caution)
Zoom also includes filters that can change the color of your video or add augmented reality items (like a pirate hat or sunglasses) to your face.
- In the Background & Effects settings menu, click the Video Filters tab.
- Click on a filter to apply it.
- Warning: If you use a funny filter for a team happy hour, it will stay on for your next meeting. Always remember to go back to this menu and select None (the first box in the top left) before joining a professional call.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Blur My Background" is missing | Outdated Zoom app | You must update your Zoom client to use the blur feature |
| Virtual Backgrounds menu is missing entirely | IT disabled the feature | Your company administrator may have disabled virtual backgrounds for security/professionalism reasons |
| Background looks choppy or CPU fan gets loud | Old hardware | Virtual backgrounds require significant processing power; turn it off if your PC slows down |
| Your background image is mirrored/backwards | "Mirror my video" is on | In Settings > Video, check "Mirror my video." Zoom mirrors it for you, but others see it correctly |